Re: Eric and Fred's ideas on grading -Reply

[csjhs@eiu.edu (Jeanne H. Simpson)]

Jon

I don't wonder about this at all. Students do have significant authority,
though they seldom choose to exercise, sharing perhaps in our illusions
about the matter.  After all it is their very presence, their desire for
education (or the desire of whoever sent them), and their tuition dollars
that account for our very existence. 

Some time ago, I participated in another list about TQM (Total Quality
Management) in higher education.  The most controversial subject,
frequently resulting in nasty flame-throwing, was whether students could
be equated with the concept of customers. There was objection on the basis
that education does not produce product or profit. While I won't get into
that issue here, it seems to me that the fact that students provide our
raison d'etre and pay a sizable chunk of our operating expenses gives them
a kind of authority in demanding quality and accountability from us. 

The real beauty of Paula's class structure is that it acknowledges this
fact and draws the students into full participation.  Paula--my hat's off
to you.

Jeanne Simpson
csjhs@eiu.edu